Subcontract carpet fitter for flooring shops

Local flooring retailers, carpet shops and sometimes landlords or letting agents, who pay you per job or per square metre.

Fixed price per room or per square metre. Steady work from a few retailers can fill your week without you finding every customer yourself.

• Accurate measuring and cutting
• Physical fitness and kneeling for long periods
• Tidy, careful work in people's homes
• Reliable timekeeping

• Public liability insurance, and check whether retailers ask for a particular level of cover
• Retailers may pay late or set low prices, so agree rates and payment terms up front
• Check your self-employed status with HMRC if you work mainly for one retailer
• A van or large car is usually needed to carry tools and offcuts
• Physical work that is hard on knees and back, so plan for breaks and proper kneepads

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on the tools, kneepads and vehicle you already have. A van or large car is usually needed to carry tools and offcuts.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around £1,500 to £5,000, depending on how many jobs you take and the rates agreed with retailers. Agree rates and payment terms up front, as some retailers pay late or set low prices.

Check public liability insurance, including any level of cover retailers ask for. Also check your self-employed status with HMRC if you work mainly for one retailer, and plan for the physical demands of kneeling and lifting.